NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Closing out a six-game homestand to start the year, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team will return to action on Friday night as the Captains host Mount Union at 7:00 p.m. The Captains will also welcome back North Carolina Wesleyan for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Saturday night to wrap up the six-game stretch.

So far, the Captains are 3-0-0 on the season and are outscoring opponents 15-1 through the first four games. The CNU offense has been red hot with multiple goals in each of the first four games and has only been matched by its tormenting defense that has a pair of shutouts. 

It is the first ever matchup with the Mount Union Purple Raiders and the next chapter in one of the longest-standing rivalries in CNU men's soccer history when the Captains host North Carolina Wesleyan in the 53rd meeting all-time. CNU owns a 26-18-8 all-time advantage in the series that dates back to 1974. 

Live stats and a live video webcast will be available with links found on the men's soccer schedule at CNUsports.com. 

Christopher Newport is led by senior goalkeeper Matt Yates, who earned Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week recognition this week. Yates has a 0.33 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage while starting all four games. Caleb Johnson and Henry Houser have also seen time in the goal for the Captains with two games apiece. 

Defensively, the Captains' veteran back line is led by senior Yazan Yaghmmour along with juniors Jackson Carlyon, Declan Karney, Carson Friedlein, and Ben Sullivan. They have held opponents to just 7.8 total shots per game including a paltry 4.3 shots on-goal per game. Offensively, senior Riley Usher has scored four goals with one assist for nine points while Evan Rupe has added three goals off the bench. Michael Hackworth has two goals and two assist for six total points. 

Mount Union has started the season with a 2-2-1 overall record while being led by Alex Depperschmidt with seven points on three goals and one assist. Dom Kustura has been the main facilitator with three assists and a goal scored. In goal, Enio Hoxha has started four of the five games and boasts a 1.25 GAA so far this season. 

N.C. Wesleyan is also 2-2-1 to start the year with Lucas Andres Monrabal leading the charge with seven points on three goals and one assist. Elliott Helander has started four games with a 1.25 GAA and 15 saves so far this year. 

Following the weekend, the Captains will face its first road trip of the season as they travel to Montclair State University on Saturday, September 26.